Self-published author Madeline Nixon is no stranger to paranormal activity. Her latest publication, Robins the sequel to her debut Feathers, draws inspiration from her own ghost stories. While she could easily establish herself in the captivating genre of paranormal fiction, Nixon chooses to explore various genres, following wherever her creativity leads her.

When she’s not creating content for children’s educational literature on topics like sharks, natural disasters, or dance, she’s immersed in writing her latest romance novel. A self-proclaimed lover of ‘banter’, she enjoys crafting tension-filled, dialogue-driven romance stories. One of Nixon’s most compelling and popular works is the quirkily titled Last Christmas I Love Spelled Us Apart - a blend of Halloween and Christmas perhaps? I’m here for it!

Madeline Nixon’s extensive literary experience makes her an inspiring and intriguing storyteller in the indie author space.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Madeline Nixon’s background

05:39 What writing life routine looks like

08:58 Pantser or Plotter

11:54 Current project: Small town romance

15:22 Hardest vs enjoyable part of writing

21:30 Madeline nixon’s diverse genres: Ghost stories

30:40 Latest release: Robins

32:19 Educational writing

36:20 Romance books

43:15 Community helping each other

50:03 Looking ahead future plans

Madeline Nixon links:

* Instagram

* Tiktok

* Goodreads

* Facebook

* Threads

* Website

MG Hunt links:

* Instagram

* Linktree

* Threads

* Goodreads

* Tiktok

* Facebook

* Website

Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

Indie author K E Barden wrote her first draft entirely on her mobile phone. That’s not just commitment, it’s creative grit at its best.

A seasoned storyteller in the realm of fairytale retellings, Barden has spent years weaving magic into her stories. With a successful series re-release behind her, she’s turned every setback into storytelling gold. Proof that resilience and imagination make a powerful combination.

Barden’s ‘Finding Ever After’ series is already three books in, with book four and five scheduled to be released 2026. The series is an exploration into commonly familiar fairytales with a dark, YA twist to them. It is also an exploration into how far one would go to find their ‘happily ever after’.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. Barden’s indie journey is on an impressive trajectory. She was recently invited to pitch the ‘Finding Ever After’ series for a film/TV adaptation. It’s a bold reminder that indie authors aren’t just keeping up, rather, they’re redefining an industry once ruled by traditional publishing.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:01 K E Barden's background

07:51 Writing routine

16:14 What K E Barden's writing process looks like

21:39 Hardest vs. Most Enjoyable part of writing

31:37 The Finding Ever After Series

38:16 Publishing Timeline for Finding Ever After Series

45:39 Latest publication: Book 3, A Glass Darkly

56:31 Future for K E Barden

K E Barden’s Links

* Instagram

* Amazon

* Goodreads

* Facebook

* Tiktok

* Threads

* Newsletter Sign up

MG Hunt’s Links

* Instagram

* Linktree

* Threads

* Goodreads

* Tiktok

* Facebook

* Website

Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

From shifter paranormal romance to getting lost in the “Darkwoods”, author A L Rojo’s writing has invited readers into rich shifter-themed worlds. Based in Sydney’s western suburbs, A. L. Rojo always finds time to dream up her next writing project- even if it’s while driving the kids to netball practice!

I deeply admire A L Rojo’s dedication to her writing, with four books out of a planned seven (yes, seven) published in her series ‘The Pack of Farrowline’ Series. She’s also recently published a new novel titled ‘The Lady of the Darkwoods’ which marks the beginning of an entirely new series. A L Rojo is certainly on a roll. She has spun gold, making her daydreams a reality.

If you are a fan of shifter romance, found family and fated mates, please check out A L Rojo.

Episode timestamps

00:00 Introduction

04:02 About A L Rojo

09:25 Getting the confidence to self publish

12:34 Street team

14:56 A day in the life of A L Rojo

21:16 Hardest vs enjoyable parts of writing

30:54 The Lost Lady of the Darkwoods

42:09 Multiple series writing

46:59 Comparing 'The Pack' and 'The Darkwoods'

50:44 Potential character art

A L Rojo’s Links

* Instagram

* Website

* Linktree

* Facebook

* Amazon

* Goodreads

MG Hunt’s Links

* Instagram

* Linktree

* Threads

* Goodreads

* Tiktok

* Facebook

* Website

Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

My friends, do I have a fabulous episode for you all! Fellow indie author Jess McFarlane sat down with me to discuss the range of stereotypical opinions that exist with indie publishing.

To many of us, traditional publishing is considered or perceived to be the ‘gold standard’ for literature. But the rise of indie authors and the growing accessibility in self-publishing is steadily changing the current preconceptions of the community.

In this episode, author Jess McFarlane and I discuss the stereotypes around self-publishing and being an author. We touch on topics such as author wellbeing, finding your community, marketing, and topical debates in the indie author sphere.

Of course, we also get into Jess’s upcoming literary release Man of Bears (scheduled for 16th September 2025). It is the sequel to Woman of Wolves, and book to in the medieval Irish historical fiction series, Arasgain Rule.

Content warning: this episode includes discussion of mental health topics, depression, anxiety, self-harm and other similar themes.

Topics discussed with timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:21 Reacting to assumptions about self-publishing

15:10 The mental load of being an indie author

19:01 Discussing Audra Winter

26:46 Ratings and opinions

32:02 Reflecting on how far you’ve come

41:15 Reacting to @authortuesdayyjames Threads post

48:18 Man Of Bears and Jess’s future work

58:44 Including spice

1:06:00 Looking to the future

Media and services quoted in this episode

* Enfant Terrible - Remy Bazerque:

* Threads post by @authortuesdayyjames

* Artist @miajoanart

* Hummingbird Editing

Jess McFarlane’s Links

* Instagram

* Linktree

* Threads

* Goodreads

* Tiktok

* Facebook

MG Hunt’s Links

* Instagram

* Linktree

* Threads

* Goodreads

* Tiktok

* Facebook

* Website

Follow Indie Author Life on Instagram!

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

Content disclaimer: This episode discusses topics related to mental health and serious physical illness. We understand these subjects can be sensitive and potentially triggering. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip ahead if needed.

Mandi and I sat down to record our interview after a long work day doing our other non-writing jobs. Both days spent in offices wishing we could be at home working on our lists of manuscripts and ideas. Even after long days at the office, we logged into Zoom full of energy, and I was fascinated by what Mandi shared about her life as an indie author.

Growing up in Adelaide, Australia, Mandi has taken a lot of her writing inspiration from popular movies and TV shows of her youth. Shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Charmed’, as well as ‘The Mummy’ movie series, are clearly influenced by her latest Egyptian Historical Urban Fantasy, ‘The Nexus Series’.

Mandi now calls Melbourne home, and steadily works between not only a 9-5 full time job, but also writes, runs her own podcast and operates her Writing Mindset Mentor business as well. Indie authors certainly do have to wear many different hats.

Enjoy the latest episode of Author Chat!

Mandi’s links

* Dreaming Fully Awake - Mandi’s website

* The Writing Apocethary - Podcast

* Instagram

* Book updates - Newsletter

* Goodreads

MG Hunt’s links

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

* Facebook

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

Held in the InterClub Ballarat Drop In Centre, Coven Press had organised an indie literary festival delight!

Along with many local self published authors, the festival ran a few other insightful panels. The panel I spoke on was a chance for me to talk about my own experience being a self published author, and also hear from other well regarded professionals in the Australian publishing space.

Enjoy this presentation where we talk about our experience in the indie author and book publishing industry.

Thank you so much for Coven Press for an amazing weekend!

Featured guests from left to right

* MG Hunt (me)

* Paula Gleeson (Author of Original Twin and Boney Creak)

* Paula Gleeson’s Website

* Lauren from Hardy Audio

* Hardy Audio Website

* Stef from Coven Press

* Coven Press Website

Panel moderator: Liz McCracken from Coven Press

Questions asked

Question 1

I’d love to hear from everyone with this question: What got you interested in the publishing industry, whether as an author or professional?

Question 2

Paula, can you share your experience as a traditionally published author? What was the process of securing a publishing contract like, and what has your experience been with distribution and marketing?

Question 3

MG and Stef, this one’s for you: In your view, does indie publishing offer a difference in accessibility or inclusion compared to a traditional route, such as what Paula has done?

Question 4

Lauren, a question specifically for you: With your work at Hardy Audio, how have you seen indie authors approach audio production? What other possibilities are out there in the audio realm for authors to take advantage of?

Question 5

While we're on the topic of audio, MG, you're the host of the podcast Indie Author Life, where you speak with authors and vendors in the independent publishing space. How has this medium helped you build connections, and how do you think audio can be a valuable tool in an author’s toolkit?

Question 6

Stef, could I ask what advice do you have for indie authors trying to establish a brand or identity in such a saturated market? Market?

Question 7

A question for the entire panel: How much of your time is actually spent writing (or doing the fun stuff) vs marketing or managing the business side of your work?

Quick fire questions (this or that)

Okay, that’s the end of our structured questions, here’s a list of quick fire this or that questions to get to know our panelists:

* Early mornings or late nights?

* Quiet workspace or background noise?

* Coffee or tea while working?

* To read: Fiction or non fiction?

* To read: Print books, ebooks or audiobooks?

MG Hunt’s links 📚

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Goodreads

* Facebook

* Website

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep 📚

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

In this episode of Author Chat, I speak with contemporary fiction writer Ben Tobler, who has a passion for fantasy.

Residing in the Tablelands of NSW, Ben often turns to writing as a form of escapism from his day job as a teacher, dedicating his weekends to exploring the world he has created for the protagonists in his stories.

His debut novel, Films Have Given Me Trust Issues, represents a complete escape into a new creative endeavour, contrasting sharply with his usual reading preferences (which include Brandon Sanderson and J.R.R. Tolkien). This novel marks his entry into contemporary fiction, and reviewers have compared it to Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Ben's writing highlights his diverse interests and his willingness to explore new genres, allowing him to create something unique and exciting.

Here’s the blurb of Films Have Given Me Trust Issues

No self-belief, no direction, a job she hates and a love life comparable to that of a dead fish...Hannah feels like a red-hot mess.At forty, Hannah lives alone, depends far too much on booze and prescription painkillers, and has her mother breathing down her neck about 'finding the perfect son-in-law'. Her love for Hollywood happy endings is her only source of comfort in the chaos of reality.That is until serendipity brings beautiful, mysterious, and seemingly perfect Katie into her life.A fast friendship forms over drunken escapades, weekends away and shared demons. Despite her new lease on life, Katie's friendship forces Hannah to confront all that she knows - about herself, her past and her world.Hollywood happy endings may not be all they seem...

Enjoy this episode of Indie Author Life!

Ben Tobler’s links:

* Instagram

* Website

* Goodreads

Where to read Films Have Given Me Trust Issues:

* Amazon

* Booktopia

MG Hunt’s links:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

* Facebook

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

In this episode of Indie Author Life, Laura and I discuss everything from ideal morning routines as a self-employed editor, to trusting your gut. Laura’s editing process is not only super professional but remarkably personable. She is her client’s biggest ‘hype person’ and it is clear she deeply cares about every person she works with.

Hummingbird Editing was born out of a desire for a change. Laura, who had spent over ten years in the education sector, found the demands of full-time teaching increasingly exhausting. After experiencing the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she realized that returning to teaching had diminished her resolve to stay on that path. Trusting her inner guidance, she decided to pursue her true passion: books!

And so, Hummingbird Editing was created, and Laura has not looked back. Enjoy this special episode of Indie Author Life.

Hummingbird Editing links:

* Website

* Instagram

* Indie Author Network Support Group (Facebook)

* New Client Waiting List

MG Hunt’s links:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

* Facebook

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

Thanks for visiting Indie Author Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

It is hard to believe fantasy artist Ashley Nobes is only 25 years of age, as she has already carved an incredible career for herself. Operating as a sole trader, she works with indie and traditionally published authors alike.

As someone who also adores admiring and creating character art, Ashley’s work ethic and passion inspires me deeply. Chatting with her was an absolute delight, and she is so knowledgeable with her approach to her art business.

I am excited to see how Ashley’s career and art practice develops, as it will no doubt continue going strength to strength for many years to come.

Ashley Nobe’s artwork discussed in the episode

Here’s a list of artwork discussed in our chat, as well as images and links accompanied below:

* Basgiath War College, Etsy

* Feyre and Rhysand during Starfall, Etsy

* Auren and Rip, Gild Fanart, Etsy

* Violet & Xaden Sparring, Etsy

* Poppy and Hawke, Characters from the book From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout, Instagram

* Violet & Xaden Kiss, Etsy

* The North Wind Special Edition Cover, Simon & Schuster

* Henry and Halle (and Joy) from Daydream by Hannah Grace, Ashley Nobes Art

* H.M Hogdson x Haus of Fables Vella, Ashley Nobes Art

Ashley Nobe’s Links:

* Patreon

* Website (portfolio)

* Instagram

* Etsy

* TikTok

MG Hunt’s links:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

* Facebook

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

Thanks for reading Indie Author Life! This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com

Sanja’s (S. K. Stapar) writing specialises in tales of cursed magic, secrets and agonising romance. After diving into her debut novel Midnight Gate, and attending her fabulous book launch in February 2025, I was dying to get to know the author behind this gripping story.

What impressed me most about Sanja was her dedication to writing and her commitment to pursuing her passion for storytelling. The way she weaves elements of her Slavic heritage into the fantasy worlds created is both distinctive and meaningful, making her story all the more worth sharing.

Check out S. K. Stapar’s incredible debut novel Midnight Gate, for a romantasy journey you’ll curse yourself for not reading sooner.

S. K. Stapar’s links:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

MG Hunt’s links:

* Instagram

* TikTok

* Website

* Goodreads

* Facebook

Where to purchase Still Waters Run Deep:

* Etsy

* Beventi

* Amazon Paperback

* Amazon eBook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mghunt.substack.com